The leaders of opposition parties are reportedly contemplating a meeting between May 19 (the last phase of polling) and May 23 (when the results will be announced). The meeting will be held to decide the Prime Ministerial candidate of the national-level alliance - 'Mahagathbandhan'.

On the other hand, there has been another significant development, wherein Telangana Rashtra Samiti chief K Chandrashekhar Rao (KCR) revived his efforts to stitch a&nbsp;'third front'.

KCR met CPM leader and Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan to discuss&nbsp;the&nbsp;'national political scenario'. 
 
Vijayan, after the meeting, said&nbsp;that neither Congress nor BJP will get absolute majority and regional parties will play a key role in the formation of government at the Centre.

However, it's unlikely that Vijayan will back the federal front as CPM is a foe of BJP.

Rao is also scheduled to meet DMK chief Stalin on May 13, though reports say Stalin has turned down his proposal owing to his campaign schedule for the May 19 by-polls.

It's to be noted that DMK has an alliance with the Congress in Tamil Nadu and Stalin has already extended his support to the 'Mahagathbandhan.&nbsp;

He had also recommended Rahul Gandhi's name as the Mahagathbandhan's Prime Ministerial candidate.

Also, Congress has, time and again, accused KCR as the B-team of NDA. According to the party, KCR has been trying to forge a third front to help BJP, in case, the saffron party falls short of numbers.

Furthermore, there are reports which suggest KCR has reportedly asked JD(S) leader and Karnataka chief minister H D Kumaraswamy to help him strike a deal with the Congress. The Karnataka chief minister appears as a facilitator here because JD(S) and Congress alliance is in power in Karnataka and the Mahagathbandhan too has Kumaraswamy's backing.

KCR has probably realised that any alliance without Congress party's participation won't work. Congress is the main opposition party and Rahul Gandhi has emerged as a credible and confident leader. 
 
It's worth noting here that in the Assembly elections, Congress pulled off stunning victories in the three Hindi heartland states under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi

It may be recalled that KCR's arch rival and Andhra Pradesh chief minister, Chandrababu Naidu, too has realised the importance of Congress party's presence in the Mahagathbandhan. 
 
Keeping aside three decades of rivalry, Naidu had reached out to Rahul Gandhi and both the leaders stressed the need to come together to 'save democracy'.

At the national level, most opposition parties have already extended their support to Mahagathbandhan to take on BJP. Congress too is likely to join this national-level alliance.&nbsp;

Last year, KCR had approached several party leaders not aligned with Congress and BJP, including Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik, TMC chief Mamata Banerjee, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav and Karnataka chief minister H D Kumaraswamy.

However, his effort had hit the speed bumps after most parties chose Mahagathbandhan over his federal front. So far, only YSR Congress chief YS Jaganmohan Reddy has openly backed him.

Mahagathbandhan, an idea floated by Mamata Banerjee and promoted by Chandrababu Naidu, also has the support of seasoned political leaders like Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar and National Conference (NC) chief Farooq Abdullah.

KCR's idea of a non-Congress front is too weak to take on BJP. And the only way he can garner the support of all like-minded opposition parties, to keep&nbsp;the BJP-led NDA out of power, is by seeking Congress's cooperation. 
 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.) 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The leaders of opposition parties are reportedly contemplating a meeting between May 19 (the last phase of polling) and May 23 (when the results will be announced).

The leaders of opposition parties are reportedly contemplating a meeting between May 19 (the last phase of polling) and May 23 (when the results will be announced). The meeting will be held to decide the Prime Ministerial candidate of the national-level alliance - 'Mahagathbandhan'. On the other hand, there has been another significant development, wherein Telangana Rashtra Samiti chief K Chandrashekhar Rao (KCR) revived his efforts to stitch a 'third front'. KCR met CPM leader and Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan to discuss the 'national political scenario'. Vijayan, after the meeting, said that neither Congress nor BJP will get absolute majority and regional parties will play a key role in the formation of government at the Centre. However, it's unlikely that Vijayan will back the federal front as CPM is a foe of BJP. Rao is also scheduled to meet DMK chief Stalin on May 13, though reports say Stalin has turned down his proposal owing to his campaign schedule for the May 19 by-polls. It's to be noted that DMK has an alliance with the Congress in Tamil Nadu and Stalin has already extended his support to the 'Mahagathbandhan. He had also recommended Rahul Gandhi's name as the Mahagathbandhan's Prime Ministerial candidate. Also, Congress has, time and again, accused KCR as the B-team of NDA. According to the party, KCR has been trying to forge a third front to help BJP, in case, the saffron party falls short of numbers. Furthermore, there are reports which suggest KCR has reportedly asked JD(S) leader and Karnataka chief minister H D Kumaraswamy to help him strike a deal with the Congress. The Karnataka chief minister appears as a facilitator here because JD(S) and Congress alliance is in power in Karnataka and the Mahagathbandhan too has Kumaraswamy's backing. KCR has probably realised that any alliance without Congress party's participation won't work. Congress is the main opposition party and Rahul Gandhi has emerged as a credible and confident leader. It's worth noting here that in the Assembly elections, Congress pulled off stunning victories in the three Hindi heartland states under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi It may be recalled that KCR's arch rival and Andhra Pradesh chief minister, Chandrababu Naidu, too has realised the importance of Congress party's presence in the Mahagathbandhan. Keeping aside three decades of rivalry, Naidu had reached out to Rahul Gandhi and both the leaders stressed the need to come together to 'save democracy'. At the national level, most opposition parties have already extended their support to Mahagathbandhan to take on BJP. Congress too is likely to join this national-level alliance. Last year, KCR had approached several party leaders not aligned with Congress and BJP, including Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik, TMC chief Mamata Banerjee, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav and Karnataka chief minister H D Kumaraswamy. However, his effort had hit the speed bumps after most parties chose Mahagathbandhan over his federal front. So far, only YSR Congress chief YS Jaganmohan Reddy has openly backed him. Mahagathbandhan, an idea floated by Mamata Banerjee and promoted by Chandrababu Naidu, also has the support of seasoned political leaders like Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar and National Conference (NC) chief Farooq Abdullah. KCR's idea of a non-Congress front is too weak to take on BJP. And the only way he can garner the support of all like-minded opposition parties, to keep the BJP-led NDA out of power, is by seeking Congress's cooperation. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

No takers for federal front: Has KCR realised his idea of a non-Congress front is too weak to take on BJP?

The Election Commission has issued a show cause notice to Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao, finding him prima facie guilty of allegedly passing derogatory remarks against Hindus while addressing an election rally in Karimnagar last month.

Now, he has been asked to furnish his reply by April 12 evening, failing which the Commission will take a decision "without any further reference to you".

The Commission said VHP state president M Rama Raju had filed a compliant which claimed that the Telangana Rashtra Samathi chief "tried to secure votes by passing derogatory remarks against Hindus while addressing an election rally at Karimnagar on March 17."

The Commission has produced his remarks in Telugu but did not give English translation of the same.

"... The Commission is, prima facie, of the opinion that by making the aforesaid statement which has the potential of disturbing harmony and aggravating existing differences between social and religious communities, and appealing to communal feelings, you have violated the ... The Model Code of Conduct," the notice served Tuesday said.

The poll panel reminded Rao of the provision of the poll code which states that no party or candidate shall indulge in any activity which may aggravate existing differences or create mutual hatred or cause tension between different castes and communities, religious or linguistic; and prohibits appeal to communal feelings for securing votes.

The model code came into force on March 10 when the schedule for the seven-phased Lok Sabha elections was announced.&nbsp;

The Election Commission has issued a show cause notice to Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao, finding him prima facie guilty of allegedly passing derogatory remarks against Hindus while addressing an election rally in Karimnagar last month.

The Election Commission has issued a show cause notice to Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao, finding him prima facie guilty of allegedly passing derogatory remarks against Hindus while addressing an election rally in Karimnagar last month. Now, he has been asked to furnish his reply by April 12 evening, failing which the Commission will take a decision "without any further reference to you". The Commission said VHP state president M Rama Raju had filed a compliant which claimed that the Telangana Rashtra Samathi chief "tried to secure votes by passing derogatory remarks against Hindus while addressing an election rally at Karimnagar on March 17." The Commission has produced his remarks in Telugu but did not give English translation of the same. "... The Commission is, prima facie, of the opinion that by making the aforesaid statement which has the potential of disturbing harmony and aggravating existing differences between social and religious communities, and appealing to communal feelings, you have violated the ... The Model Code of Conduct," the notice served Tuesday said. The poll panel reminded Rao of the provision of the poll code which states that no party or candidate shall indulge in any activity which may aggravate existing differences or create mutual hatred or cause tension between different castes and communities, religious or linguistic; and prohibits appeal to communal feelings for securing votes. The model code came into force on March 10 when the schedule for the seven-phased Lok Sabha elections was announced.

EC says Telangana CM prima facie violated model code by making communal remark

Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao on Saturday vowed to make Telangana roads "shine like a mirror".

The chief minister, in a review meeting held here at Pragathi Bhavan to discuss the current condition of state roads, directed concerned officers to complete the task in the next two years.

The Chief Minister made it very clear that after irrigation projects, the top priority will be accorded to roads and highways.

He further instructed that including the newly formed village Panchayats, the entire 12,751 village Panchayats in the state should be provided with BT road facility.

He also directed the R&amp;B officials to assess the existing conditions of the roads in the state and prepare a plan accordingly.

Following the assessment, a budget will be allocated for the same.

The Chief Minister in the meeting underlined that several roads and bridges in the state need to be repaired.

He also asked his ministers to constantly monitor the progress of road repair work.

In the meeting, the Chief Minister also instructed the officials to immediately pay the compensation to the farmers who lost their land in the construction of Canals of Kaleswaram Project.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao on Saturday vowed to make Telangana roads "shine like a mirror". The chief minister, in a review meeting held here at Pragathi Bhavan to discuss the current condition of state roads, directed concerned officers to complete the task in the next two years.

Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao on Saturday vowed to make Telangana roads "shine like a mirror". The chief minister, in a review meeting held here at Pragathi Bhavan to discuss the current condition of state roads, directed concerned officers to complete the task in the next two years. The Chief Minister made it very clear that after irrigation projects, the top priority will be accorded to roads and highways. He further instructed that including the newly formed village Panchayats, the entire 12,751 village Panchayats in the state should be provided with BT road facility. He also directed the R&B officials to assess the existing conditions of the roads in the state and prepare a plan accordingly. Following the assessment, a budget will be allocated for the same. The Chief Minister in the meeting underlined that several roads and bridges in the state need to be repaired. He also asked his ministers to constantly monitor the progress of road repair work. In the meeting, the Chief Minister also instructed the officials to immediately pay the compensation to the farmers who lost their land in the construction of Canals of Kaleswaram Project.

KCR vows to make Telangana roads 'shine like mirror'

TRS president K Chandrashekhar Rao said Tuesday that "we are going to play a crucial role in national politics".&nbsp;

The TRS is set to sweep <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/assembly-election-results-2018-live-stakes-high-ahead-of-2019-general-elections-183025">the elections</a> in Telangana.&nbsp;

The Election Commission was at 5.15 in the evening saying the TRS had won (21) or was leading (67) in 88 seats in Telangana out of a total of 119 seats.&nbsp;

The TRS then is expected to comfortably form a government in the state on its own.&nbsp;

"I will actively participate in national politics," KCR said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

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TRS President and Telangana caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao: I spoke to other political parties, we are going to play a crucial role in national politics. <a href="https://t.co/70izuwTQrT">https://t.co/70izuwTQrT</a>
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"I spoke to other political parties, we are going to play a crucial role in national politics," he added.&nbsp;

TRS president K Chandrashekhar Rao said Tuesday that "we are going to play a crucial role in national politics". The TRS is set to sweep the elections in Telangana.

TRS president K Chandrashekhar Rao said Tuesday that "we are going to play a crucial role in national politics". The TRS is set to sweep the elections in Telangana. The Election Commission was at 5.15 in the evening saying the TRS had won (21) or was leading (67) in 88 seats in Telangana out of a total of 119 seats. The TRS then is expected to comfortably form a government in the state on its own. "I will actively participate in national politics," KCR said on Tuesday. TRS President and Telangana caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao: I spoke to other political parties, we are going to play a crucial role in national politics. https://t.co/70izuwTQrT — ANI (@ANI) December 11, 2018 × "I spoke to other political parties, we are going to play a crucial role in national politics," he added.

Ready to sweep Telangana, KCR says 'We are going to play crucial role in national politics'

AIMIM leader Akbaruddin Owaisi, has said his party was supporting the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) to ensure that it emerges as an alternative force to the Congress and BJP in the coming elections.

Addressing multiple election rallies here on Friday, he sought to know if there were only two parties, Congress and BJP, and said, "We will fight it out against both Rahul Gandhi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"Not just two, there should be three or four (parties). If one (party) throws attitude then we will not hesitate to place our hand on the other," he said in an apparent reference to the TRS.

Akbaruddin, seeking re-election from Chandrayangutta segment, further said (previous) Chief Ministers have always sought the support of AIMIM and the party would be the kingmaker again in the upcoming elections.&nbsp; 
Slamming the Congress for questioning development works by his party in Old Hyderabad, Akbaruddin said, "According to them if we support Congress we are secular and when we oppose we are (pro) BJP.

Similarly, if we oppose Narendra Modi then we are anti-nationals," he said. 
Listing out the developmental works by AIMIM, Akbaruddin said, "It is only due to the various works carried out by the MIM there is development in the areas and hence the value of property and land rates have gone up."&nbsp;

AIMIM leader Akbaruddin Owaisi, has said his party was supporting the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) to ensure that it emerges as an alternative force to the Congress and BJP in the coming elections.

AIMIM leader Akbaruddin Owaisi, has said his party was supporting the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) to ensure that it emerges as an alternative force to the Congress and BJP in the coming elections. Addressing multiple election rallies here on Friday, he sought to know if there were only two parties, Congress and BJP, and said, "We will fight it out against both Rahul Gandhi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Not just two, there should be three or four (parties). If one (party) throws attitude then we will not hesitate to place our hand on the other," he said in an apparent reference to the TRS. Akbaruddin, seeking re-election from Chandrayangutta segment, further said (previous) Chief Ministers have always sought the support of AIMIM and the party would be the kingmaker again in the upcoming elections. Slamming the Congress for questioning development works by his party in Old Hyderabad, Akbaruddin said, "According to them if we support Congress we are secular and when we oppose we are (pro) BJP. Similarly, if we oppose Narendra Modi then we are anti-nationals," he said. Listing out the developmental works by AIMIM, Akbaruddin said, "It is only due to the various works carried out by the MIM there is development in the areas and hence the value of property and land rates have gone up."

Supporting TRS to ensure it emerges as alternative to BJP, Cong: Akbaruddin Owaisi

Third front isn't a silly political front, it'll be coming together of India's masses, said Telangana &nbsp;Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao after meeting former prime minister and Jananta Dal (Secular) chief HD Deve Gowda.&nbsp;

''Congress and BJP ruled India for over 65 years and they've miserably failed the nation. This (third front) isn't a silly political front, it'll be coming together of India's masses,'' KCR said and added that they would also come out with a big agenda for farmers before 2019.

KCR claims to have received widespread support from various political leaders since he announced the third front

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren, Sitaram Yechury of CPM, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi are the some of the leaders who expressed their support for the third front.&nbsp;

KCR earlier met Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata in connection with the third front. &nbsp;

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Congress & BJP ruled India for over 65 years & they've miserably failed the nation. This (third front) isn't a silly political front, it'll be coming together of India's masses, we'll come out with a big agenda for farmers before 2019: Telangana CM after meeting HD Deve Gowda <a href="https://t.co/ctM13EvCT5">pic.twitter.com/ctM13EvCT5</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/984752437830529025?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

KCR claims to have received widespread support from various political leaders since he announced the third front

Third front isn't a silly political front, it'll be coming together of India's masses, said Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao after meeting former prime minister and Jananta Dal (Secular) chief HD Deve Gowda. ''Congress and BJP ruled India for over 65 years and they've miserably failed the nation. This (third front) isn't a silly political front, it'll be coming together of India's masses,'' KCR said and added that they would also come out with a big agenda for farmers before 2019. KCR claims to have received widespread support from various political leaders since he announced the third front West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren, Sitaram Yechury of CPM, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi are the some of the leaders who expressed their support for the third front. KCR earlier met Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata in connection with the third front. Congress & BJP ruled India for over 65 years & they've miserably failed the nation. This (third front) isn't a silly political front, it'll be coming together of India's masses, we'll come out with a big agenda for farmers before 2019: Telangana CM after meeting HD Deve Gowda pic.twitter.com/ctM13EvCT5 — ANI (@ANI) April 13, 2018 ×

Third front is coming together of India's masses: Telangana CM KCR

Ten people were killed in Nizamabad&#39;s Mendora in Telangana on Sunday after an auto fell into a well.

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Ten died after an auto carrying 14 passengers fell into a huge pit in Nizamabad&#39;s Mendora. Police investigation underway <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Telangana?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Telangana</a> <a href="https://t.co/Y35PGuCweD">pic.twitter.com/Y35PGuCweD</a>
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The people that died in the accident reportedly include&nbsp;six children.

The auto was carrying 14 passengers. Four people have been rescued.

The auto driver has been taken to a local hospital.

The police investigation is underway.

The cause of the accident is suspected to be the driver&#39;s negligence&nbsp;of traffic rules.

The auto was carrying people beyond its capacity and was said to be overspeeding.

Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekhar Rao expressed shock and conveyed his condolences to the family members of the deceased.

The people that died in the accident reportedly includes six children

Ten people were killed in Nizamabad's Mendora in Telangana on Sunday after an auto fell into a well. Ten died after an auto carrying 14 passengers fell into a huge pit in Nizamabad's Mendora. Police investigation underway #Telangana pic.twitter.com/Y35PGuCweD — ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2018 × The people that died in the accident reportedly include six children. The auto was carrying 14 passengers. Four people have been rescued. The auto driver has been taken to a local hospital. The police investigation is underway. The cause of the accident is suspected to be the driver's negligence of traffic rules. The auto was carrying people beyond its capacity and was said to be overspeeding. Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekhar Rao expressed shock and conveyed his condolences to the family members of the deceased.

Telangana: 10 killed after auto falls in well, 4 people rescued

Congress has decided to stay away from the &lsquo;Third Front&rsquo; experiment mooted by some regional parties, including Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS). TMC chief Mamata Banerjee and TRS president K Chandrashekhar Rao (KCR) are making efforts to stitch together a &#39;non-Congress, non-BJP&#39; front bringing together like-minded parties.

But sources in the Congress say that such talks are a result of West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC chief Mamata Banerjee nursing prime ministerial ambitions, and TRS president KCR trying to fight the heat of incumbency in his state.

Many senior leaders in the Congress are of the opinion that most of the regional leaders will come around by election time but Congress cannot become a casualty of a tie-up where its organisation is further impacted.

&quot;Everyone is free to pursue their agenda and ambition. KCR for four years considered Modi as the only leader and aligned with him. Now Congress has put heat on him and his party is taking a nose dive so he wants to create an alternative,&quot; Congress leader Randeep Surjewala told WION.

Though it targets KCR, Congress officially remains diplomatic on Mamata and maintains that both parties will resolve their differences to come together on issues of national importance.

However, Mamata and KCR have received support from regional players. All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi told WION that since Congress has not taken the initiative, other parties are filling the vacuum. Even DMK has been contacted on this issue which has decided to discuss the proposal.

Former Chhattisgarh chief minister Ajit Jogi spoke to KCR over phone on Monday and expressed support for the plan to float a Third Front-like formation. Former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has also extended support to the proposal.

Congress, for now, is focussing on nourishing the organisation amid fears that the party will wither away completely after humiliating losses in Tripura, Meghalaya and Nagaland assembly elections. It is for this reason that Congress has kept away from joining the SP-BSP combine to fight the Phoolpur and Gorakhpur bypolls in Uttar Pradesh.

&quot;Parties are free to contest but we will not withdraw our candidates from the fray,&quot; Surjewala said.

The idea, sources say, is to have a front which is led by the Grand Old Party. And Sonia Gandhi&#39;s invitation to leaders of opposition parties for a dinner on March 13 points to that, they say.

Several leaders have confirmed their attendance, a Congress leader said, declining to go into spcifics. However, he said Sonia Gandhi is keen to have all top opposition party leaders, including Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, who is yet to confirm.

TMC chief Mamata Banerjee and TRS president K Chandrashekhar Rao are making efforts to stitch together a 'non-Congress, non-BJP' front bringing together like-minded parties

Congress has decided to stay away from the ‘Third Front’ experiment mooted by some regional parties, including Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS). TMC chief Mamata Banerjee and TRS president K Chandrashekhar Rao (KCR) are making efforts to stitch together a 'non-Congress, non-BJP' front bringing together like-minded parties. But sources in the Congress say that such talks are a result of West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC chief Mamata Banerjee nursing prime ministerial ambitions, and TRS president KCR trying to fight the heat of incumbency in his state. Many senior leaders in the Congress are of the opinion that most of the regional leaders will come around by election time but Congress cannot become a casualty of a tie-up where its organisation is further impacted. "Everyone is free to pursue their agenda and ambition. KCR for four years considered Modi as the only leader and aligned with him. Now Congress has put heat on him and his party is taking a nose dive so he wants to create an alternative," Congress leader Randeep Surjewala told WION. Though it targets KCR, Congress officially remains diplomatic on Mamata and maintains that both parties will resolve their differences to come together on issues of national importance. However, Mamata and KCR have received support from regional players. All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi told WION that since Congress has not taken the initiative, other parties are filling the vacuum. Even DMK has been contacted on this issue which has decided to discuss the proposal. Former Chhattisgarh chief minister Ajit Jogi spoke to KCR over phone on Monday and expressed support for the plan to float a Third Front-like formation. Former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has also extended support to the proposal. Congress, for now, is focussing on nourishing the organisation amid fears that the party will wither away completely after humiliating losses in Tripura, Meghalaya and Nagaland assembly elections. It is for this reason that Congress has kept away from joining the SP-BSP combine to fight the Phoolpur and Gorakhpur bypolls in Uttar Pradesh. "Parties are free to contest but we will not withdraw our candidates from the fray," Surjewala said. The idea, sources say, is to have a front which is led by the Grand Old Party. And Sonia Gandhi's invitation to leaders of opposition parties for a dinner on March 13 points to that, they say. Several leaders have confirmed their attendance, a Congress leader said, declining to go into spcifics. However, he said Sonia Gandhi is keen to have all top opposition party leaders, including Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, who is yet to confirm.

Congress cold-shoulders idea of 'Third Front'

Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekhar Rao has hinted at leading a &#39;&#39;third front&#39;&#39; as he feels that there is a need for &#39;&#39;qualitative changes&#39;&#39; in National Politics.

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I haven&#39;t abused anyone. I&#39;m PM Modi&#39;s best friend. I sought an appointment with him in Delhi, that itself shows I have nothing against him,but he couldn&#39;t accommodate the request for appointment: Telangana CM K Chandrashekhar Rao on allegations of using abusive words for PM Modi <a href="https://t.co/UULLAz4MMq">pic.twitter.com/UULLAz4MMq</a>
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News agency ANI quoting the Telangana CM stated that people want change in 2019 polls.

&#39;&#39;Sitaram Yechury of CPM is a good friend of mine. I met him in Delhi recently. People want change in India for 2019 polls. There is a need for qualitative changes in National Politics. I am talking to like-minded people. If required I will lead the movement,&#39;&#39; KCR told ANI.&nbsp;

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Sitaram Yechury of CPM is a good friend of mine. I met him in Delhi recently. People want change in India for 2019 polls. There is a need of qualitative changes in National Politics. I am talking to like minded people. If required I will lead the movement: KC Rao (file pic) <a href="https://t.co/PU8oPkps1U">pic.twitter.com/PU8oPkps1U</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/969954096378650624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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On the allegations that he abused prime minister Modi, he said that he hasn&#39;t abused anyone.&nbsp;

&#39;&#39;I haven&#39;t abused anyone. I&#39;m PM Modi&#39;s best friend. I sought an appointment with him in Delhi, that itself shows I have nothing against him, but he couldn&#39;t accommodate the request for an appointment,&#39;&#39; Rao clarified on allegations him using abusive words for PM Modi.&nbsp;

On the allegations that he abused prime minister Modi, he said that he hasn't abused anyone.

Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekhar Rao has hinted at leading a ''third front'' as he feels that there is a need for ''qualitative changes'' in National Politics. I haven't abused anyone. I'm PM Modi's best friend. I sought an appointment with him in Delhi, that itself shows I have nothing against him,but he couldn't accommodate the request for appointment: Telangana CM K Chandrashekhar Rao on allegations of using abusive words for PM Modi pic.twitter.com/UULLAz4MMq — ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2018 × News agency ANI quoting the Telangana CM stated that people want change in 2019 polls. ''Sitaram Yechury of CPM is a good friend of mine. I met him in Delhi recently. People want change in India for 2019 polls. There is a need for qualitative changes in National Politics. I am talking to like-minded people. If required I will lead the movement,'' KCR told ANI. Sitaram Yechury of CPM is a good friend of mine. I met him in Delhi recently. People want change in India for 2019 polls. There is a need of qualitative changes in National Politics. I am talking to like minded people. If required I will lead the movement: KC Rao (file pic) pic.twitter.com/PU8oPkps1U — ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2018 × On the allegations that he abused prime minister Modi, he said that he hasn't abused anyone. ''I haven't abused anyone. I'm PM Modi's best friend. I sought an appointment with him in Delhi, that itself shows I have nothing against him, but he couldn't accommodate the request for an appointment,'' Rao clarified on allegations him using abusive words for PM Modi.

Telangana CM KCR hints at leading 'third front' in 2019

The helicopter of Telangana&#39;s chief minister K Chandrashekhar Rao caught fire moments before take off on Tuesday.

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Just checked up with CMO team. All is well with Hon&rsquo;ble CM and he is continuing his tour in Adilabad district <a href="https://t.co/DHkgptTBVh">https://t.co/DHkgptTBVh</a>
&mdash; KTR (@KTRTRS) <a href="https://twitter.com/KTRTRS/status/968381252217769984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The fire was small in intensity and no injury to anyone has been reported.

The incident took place at Karimnagar in Telangana, where the chief minister was attending an event.

A wireless inside a bag&nbsp;kept in the helicopter had a short-circuit causing the smoke and small fire.

Security personnel averted any possible damage as they removed the bag and the chopper took off safely.

The fire could have turned into something dangerous if it had happened mid-air.&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

The fire was small in intensity and no injury to anyone has been reported

The helicopter of Telangana's chief minister K Chandrashekhar Rao caught fire moments before take off on Tuesday. Just checked up with CMO team. All is well with Hon’ble CM and he is continuing his tour in Adilabad district https://t.co/DHkgptTBVh — KTR (@KTRTRS) February 27, 2018 × The fire was small in intensity and no injury to anyone has been reported. The incident took place at Karimnagar in Telangana, where the chief minister was attending an event. A wireless inside a bag kept in the helicopter had a short-circuit causing the smoke and small fire. Security personnel averted any possible damage as they removed the bag and the chopper took off safely. The fire could have turned into something dangerous if it had happened mid-air.

Telangana: Fire scare on Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao's helicopter